Here’s How Fishermen in Oklahoma Are Making $100 For A Catch

If you're out on the lakes in Oklahoma tossing a line, you just might be lucky enough to catch a fish that could earn you up to $1,000 in a month. Right now, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is asking fishermen in the state to help with the invasive problem with Black Carp fish.

In exhange for a black carp, fishers can earn $100 per fish and up to a grand in a month. There are a few stipulations, so pay close attention to what they require if you're trying to bring home the bacon for some fish.

Why is there a 'bounty' for black carp in Oklahoma?

These fish aren't just annoying, but they can cause real damage to our freshwater ecosystems.

Black carp are known for using "powerful teeth that resemble human molars" to eat mussels and snails.

While we might not think of it as a bad thing, conservationists say that the black carp's invasiveness could cause a disruption in Oklahoma's underwater ecosystems.

"Black carp have potential to seriously impact already imperiled native mussel species and may compete for food resources with other native benthic fishes including smallmouth buffalo," according to the ODWC.

Other sources say it isn't just snails and mussels that could suffer from the black carp's competition for food. According to allfishingbuy.com, "Native fish, turtles, birds, including waterfowl, and vertebrates, such as raccoons, otters, and muskrats, are likely to be affected through competition for food."

Where should you fish to find black carp?

Although these fish haven't been caught in Oklahoma waters since recently, they have been found in the Arkansas River in Arkansas and the Red River in Louisiana.

Allfishingbuy.com suggests that you use fish eggs or zooplankton to attract young carp in small ponds or shallow lakes. Pole fishing is the most successful method for capturing black carp in Europe.

@parker_pursuits Invasive species #fishtock #fish ♬ original sound - Parker Pursuits

Bear in mind that carp usually stick to the bottom of bodies of water, searching for snails and mussels. You'll want the bait to sink low enough for them to notice it. They typically suck on the bait three to four times before fully biting, so it's wise to have bells on your pole to know when you should reel it in.

How can you earn $100 for catching a black carp?

The most important rule you'll want to remember is that possessing and transporting black carp alive is illegal. If you think you've found a black carp and want to report it to authorities to be compensated, then you'll need to:

• Kill it humanely (don't transport it alive - that's illegal)
• Keep it on ice
• Take photos of the head/mouth and full body
• Record where and how you caught it (GPS is helpful)
• Report the findings to the Aquatic Nuisance Species Program

It's worth noting that black carp are often confused with grass carp. But even if you're not certain if it's a black carp specifically, both carp species are considered invasive, so you should not return live fish back into the water.

Instead, allow the authorities to correctly identify the fish and maybe you'll get just lucky enough for that $100.

If you need an idea of where to start looking, take a look at Oklahoma's ten best fishing lakes.